What makes a good neighbor?

There’s a saying that “good fences make good neighbors.”

But let’s be honest — on the homestead, fences might keep the goats in (sometimes), but it’s the roosters, ducks, and dogs that really test the boundaries of friendship.

Here at J & J Homestead, we’ve learned a few lessons about what makes a good neighbor — and, well, let’s just say we’ve been on both sides of the fence.

1. The Rooster Alarm Clock (That Never Stops Ringing)

A good neighbor doesn’t have too many roosters that crow at all hours of the day and night.

Now, in theory, roosters are supposed to greet the dawn — a charming, pastoral “cock-a-doodle-doo” to start the morning.

In practice? They start at 3:47 a.m. … and keep going until dinner.

Our flock has apparently formed a 24-hour crowing rotation, ensuring no one misses a single sunrise — or midnight moonrise.

We love them, of course. But if we’re being honest, our neighbors might prefer an alarm clock that comes with a snooze button.

2. The Dog Who Thinks Everything Is Her Yard

A good neighbor’s dog stays home.

Our dog? Let’s just say she’s a free spirit who has appointed herself as neighborhood security, wildlife manager, and part-time deer chaser. I know that our neighbors must roll their eyes!

Every morning she wakes up and thinks, “What if I just ran full tilt into the woods for no reason?”

Meanwhile, I’m standing in my slippers yelling her name like it’s a competitive sport.

We’re working on it (in theory). But until then, she’s the self-proclaimed Director of Perimeter Defense — and she takes her job very seriously.

3. Ducks That Think the World Is Listening

If you’ve never owned ducks, let me tell you: They are loud.

They quack at the sunrise, the sunset, and sometimes at absolutely nothing at all.

Good neighbors don’t have ducks that quack all hours of the day and night — and yet, here we are, starring in our own rural version of a Broadway musical titled “Quack: The Untold Story.”

They’re adorable, hilarious, and excellent bug-eaters, but also… not the most discreet creatures.

Sometimes I think they gossip louder than the local coffee shop crowd.

4. Being “Good Neighbors,” Homestead Style

So, what actually makes a good homestead neighbor?

It’s not perfection — it’s understanding.

It’s laughing together when a chicken somehow ends up across the road.

It’s returning the dog who “accidentally” visited for treats.

It’s sharing a dozen eggs or a jar of honey as a peace offering after a particularly noisy week.

Homesteading isn’t quiet, tidy, or predictable — but it’s full of heart, humor, and community.

At the end of the day, being a good neighbor means being patient, forgiving, and maybe just a little bit hard of hearing.

Final Thought

If your rooster crows, your ducks quack, or your dog chases deer — you’re in good company.

The best neighbors are the ones who wave, laugh, and know that “life in the country” comes with a soundtrack.